Instructions
Reduce territorial spraying and aggressive behavior by neutering both cats.
Trim nails and keep them short to minimize potential injury.
Familiarize the cats with the scent of one another before they meet. Rub each one with the same damp towel. Use the same scented towel to wipe the cats, spreading their odors on each other so they smell the same. They are more likely to tolerate each other̵7;s presence if they have a similar scent.
Address aggressive cat behavior immediately with counter-conditioning aimed at defusing stressful situations. Train the cats to react in ways that don̵7;t escalate aggression when in the presence of each other. Reward calm positive responses with praise or a favorite snack.
Attach different sounding bells on the cats to identify them. It will help the cats locate one another, avoiding surprise encounters.
Use a cat carrier or large pen to hold the new cat during the period of adjustment for the resident cat, particularly if there is concern about aggression. Keep the carrier off the ground to avoid direct eye contact between the cats to reduce confrontation. Bring the cats together in the same room. Offer the resident cat calm attention as it freely roams the area getting acquainted with the caged cat.
Keep the new cat in the carrier or pen for several days while you begin feeding the cats together. If either cat shows signs of hostility by growling or swatting, avert their attention with a snack or loud noise. Slowly exposing the cats to each other in a safe controlled situation builds up tolerance.
Choose when to introduce the cats face to face without the carrier. Arrange a meal meeting with separate feeding stations in a room with exits for both cats. After placing food out, release the new cat from the carrier. Observe their interactions and reward positive behavior with praise, petting or a special snack.
How to Get Two Cats to Work Out Their Social Hierarchy
By nature, felines are solitary creatures, protective of their territory and wary of newcomers. It is unknown just what factors determine whether or not cats will get along. Unlike dogs, cats don̵7;t establish complicated dominance hierarchies. A loose social network makes it easier for cats to adjust when socializing with other cats. Typical cats can become aggressive and attempt to dominate over territory, sexual competition or when afraid. When cats are first getting acquainted is the time to intervene with precautionary measures to ensure a healthy relationship develops.